Infant footwear with heel closure

ABSTRACT

A footwear construction for an infant includes an upper having a medial panel that transitions to a heel closure flap and a lateral panel with a fin that transitions a minor upstanding wall around a heel of the footwear. The heel closure flap is operable in a closed mode, in which it overlaps the minor upstanding wall such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region and secures the footwear on an infant foot, and in an open mode, in which the flap is distal from the fin and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening so that the infant foot can be placed in a void of the footwear, passing at least partially through the heel opening in the open mode. A related method of use also is provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to footwear, and more particularly to infant footwear including a convertible heel panel that facilitates donning and removal of the footwear.

The shoes of infants, such as babies, toddlers, adolescents and the like, come in a variety of configurations. Many infant shoes are configured specifically to accommodate the mobility of the infant. With older infants, footwear can be constructed to be well secured to the foot, thereby preventing the footwear from coming off, given the high mobility and activity of those children. In the case of very young infants, who are not prone to being too mobile, and even less prone to walking, shoes can be constructed more for the convenience of the parent of the infant.

For example, some infant shoes are constructed to resemble a sock with a thin, flexible outsole. The sock extends upward from the outsole, and includes a flexible and/or stretchable ankle collar. A parent can expand the collar, much like a sock, and insert the infant foot into the collar and the remainder of the sock. While this construction works for many infant feet, pudgier feet are more difficult to place through the collar and into such shoes. Where the infant already is wearing a conventional sock, the process can be complicated.

Other infant shoes can be configured to resemble a sandal with an open back so that the infant foot easily slips into the shoe. While easy to install on an infant foot, these types of footwear can be prone to sliding off the foot, particularly where the child is active and crawling.

Accordingly, there remains room for improvement in the construction of an infant footwear that is easy to don and remove relative to a foot, and yet is comfortable to the infant.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

A footwear construction for an infant includes an upper having a first panel that transitions to a heel closure flap and a second panel that transitions to a minor upstanding wall extending around a heel of the footwear. The heel closure flap is operable in an closed mode, in which it overlaps the minor upstanding wall such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region and secures the footwear on an infant foot, and in an open mode, in which the flap is distal from the second panel and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening so that the infant foot can be placed in a void of the footwear, passing at least partially through the heel opening in the open mode.

In one embodiment, the upper includes an extension of the medial panel around the heel region of the footwear, ending at or on the lateral panel. The extension, in the form of a heel closure flap, covers a heel opening configured for easy foot entry. The heel closure flap can be secured over the heel opening and generally to the lateral panel to secure the footwear on an infant foot.

In another embodiment, the heel closure flap can include a first end portion joined with the medial panel and extending rearward along the medial side, a heel portion configured to extend rearward about the heel of an infant, and a second end portion extending from the heel portion forward along the lateral side adjacent the heel region. The second end portion can include a first closure element. A fin on the lateral panel can include a second closure element. The first and second closure elements can be removably joined with one another so the heel closure flap can be converted from the closed mode to the open mode manually, by disassociating the closure elements.

In still another embodiment the first and second closure elements can each be complimentary hook and loop closure elements, secured respectively to the fin on an exterior of the lateral panel, and along an interior surface of the end portion of the heel closure flap.

In yet another embodiment, the upper is joined with an outsole having a rearwardmost portion at which a vertical plane is defined. The heel portion of the closure flap can be angled forward from the vertical plane, so that the heel portion engages the infant's heel above the calcaneus bone and secures the footwear on the foot.

In even another embodiment, the heel closure flap includes an interior closure surface and an opposing exterior closure surface. The minor upstanding wall includes an interior wall surface and an opposing exterior wall surface. In the closed mode, the interior closure surface directly engages the exterior wall surface.

In still yet another embodiment, the minor upstanding wall includes an upper wall edge. The heel closure flap includes a lower closure edge. The lower closure edge is below the upper wall edge when the closure is in the closed mode.

In a further embodiment, the minor upstanding wall includes a lower edge. The outsole can include a foxing band extending around a sidewall of the outsole. The lower edge can be concealed by a foxing band to provide a neat, clean appearance.

In still a further embodiment, the lower closure edge can be between the upper wall edge and the foxing band when the closure is in the closed mode. Optionally, the minor upstanding wall can include a height. The height of the minor upstanding wall can be between 2 mm and 20 mm inclusive.

In yet a further embodiment, a method is provided. The method can include: providing the upper with the medial panel and heel closure flap, and the lateral quarter including a fin; converting the heel closure flap from a closed mode, in which a first closure element joined with the heel closure flap is removably secured to a second closure element joined with the fin, with the heel closure flap overlapping a minor upstanding wall, to an open mode, in which the first closure element is detached from the second closure element and the heel closure flap is distal from the fin and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening in the heel region; and passing the foot at least partially through the heel opening while the heel closure flap is in the open mode to place a foot of an infant in a void of the upper.

In even a further embodiment, the method can include returning the heel closure flap to the closed mode so that the first closure element is removably secured to the second closure element, with the heel opening closed by the heel closure flap which is placed adjacent the minor upstanding wall to limit the engagement of the closure against a heel of the infant and yet snugly secure the footwear to the foot of the infant.

The present infant footwear construction provides benefits in use, installation and removal that previously have not been achievable. With the easy to use heel closure flap, a caregiver can quickly don and remove footwear from an infant despite the infant's activity or movement. The closure can be well secured to the user's foot to avoid losing the footwear in certain environments. Likewise, the flap can be removed to expose a large opening through which a variety of feet shapes and sizes can be rapidly installed. The minor upstanding wall can assist in properly installing the infant foot in the footwear, to set it at the proper depth in the footwear. It also can temporarily hold the footwear on the foot until the closure flap is fully closed to secure the foot in the footwear.

These and other objects, advantages, and features of the invention will be more fully understood and appreciated by reference to the description of the current embodiment and the drawings.

Before the embodiments of the invention are explained in detail, it is to be understood that the invention is not limited to the details of operation or to the details of construction and the arrangement of the components set forth in the following description or illustrated in the drawings. The invention may be implemented in various other embodiments and of being practiced or being carried out in alternative ways not expressly disclosed herein. Also, it is to be understood that the phraseology and terminology used herein are for the purpose of description and should not be regarded as limiting. The use of “including” and “comprising” and variations thereof is meant to encompass the items listed thereafter and equivalents thereof as well as additional items and equivalents thereof. Further, enumeration may be used in the description of various embodiments. Unless otherwise expressly stated, the use of enumeration should not be construed as limiting the invention to any specific order or number of components. Nor should the use of enumeration be construed as excluding from the scope of the invention any additional steps or components that might be combined with or into the enumerated steps or components.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a side view of footwear of a current embodiment with a heel closure flap thereof in a closed mode;

FIG. 2 is side view of the footwear with the heel closure flap in the closed mode;

FIG. 3 is a rear view of the footwear with the heel closure flap in the closed mode;

FIG. 4 is a rear perspective view of the footwear with the heel closure flap in an open mode;

FIG. 5 is a rear view of the footwear with the heel closure flap in the open mode;

FIG. 6 is a side cross-sectional view of a heel region of the footwear taken along line VI-VI of FIG. 2; and

FIG. 7 is a flow chart that illustrates steps in a method of using the footwear.

DESCRIPTION OF THE CURRENT EMBODIMENTS

A current embodiment of the footwear is illustrated in FIGS. 1-6 and generally designated 10. In this embodiment, the article of footwear 10 generally includes an upper 30 joined with a sole assembly 20. The sole assembly 20 includes an outsole 50 and may include a midsole 22 (FIG. 4). The upper 30 and the sole assembly 20 together define a foot void 24 configured to securely and comfortably hold a human foot. The foot is received through a foot opening 26 defined by the upper 30. The upper 30 and the sole assembly 20 each have a corresponding forefoot region 12, a midfoot region 14, and a heel region 16.

Although the embodiments are illustrated in the context of an infant's or children's athletic or play shoe, it may be incorporated into other adolescent or adult shoes, and any type or style of footwear, including performance shoes, trail shoes and boots, work boots, all-terrain shoes, hiking shoes, athletic shoes, running shoes, sneakers, conventional tennis shoes, walking shoes, multisport footwear, casual shoes, dress shoes or any other type of footwear or footwear components. It also should be noted that directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. Further, the terms “medial,” “lateral” and “longitudinal” are used in the manner commonly used in connection with footwear. For example, when used in referring to a side of the shoe, the term “medial” refers to the inward side (that is, the side facing the other shoe) and “lateral” refers to the outward side. When used in referring to a direction, the term “longitudinal direction” refers to a direction generally extending along the length of the shoe between toe and heel, and the term “lateral direction” refers to a direction generally extending across the width of the shoe between the medial and lateral sides of the shoe.

The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation. Further, as used herein, the term “arch region” (or arch or midfoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear or sole assembly corresponding to the arch or midfoot of the wearer's foot; the term “forefoot region” (or forefoot) refers generally to the portion of the footwear forward of the arch region corresponding to the forefoot (for example, including the ball and the toes) of a wearer's foot; and the term “heel region” (or heel) refers generally to that portion of the footwear rearward of the arch region corresponding to the heel of the wearer's foot. The forefoot region 12, arch region or mid-foot region 14, and heel region 16 generally are identified in FIG. 2; however, delineation of these regions may vary depending upon the configuration of the sole assembly and/or footwear.

In addition, when a component, part or layer is referred to as being “joined with,” “on,” “engaged with,” “adhered to,” “secured to,” or “coupled to” another component, part or layer, it may be directly joined with, on, engaged with, adhered to, secured to, or coupled to the other component, part or layer, or any number of intervening components, parts or layers may be present. In contrast, when an element is referred to as being “directly joined with,” “directly on,” “directly engaged with,” “directly adhered to,” “directly secured to,” or “directly coupled to” another element or layer, there may be no intervening elements or layers present. Other words used to describe the relationship between components, layers and parts should be interpreted in a like manner, such as “adjacent” versus “directly adjacent” and similar words. As used herein, the term “and/or” includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associated listed items.

The footwear 10 can include a side-to-side width W, a heel-to-toe longitudinal length L and a longitudinal axis LA, which can be shared with the various elements of the footwear, such as the upper and the outsole.

The footwear 10 can include a textile upper 30 or upper assembly joined with the outsole 50. The upper 30 can be formed from a variety of material elements joined together to cover at least a portion of the wearer's foot. The material elements can be selected based on the intended uses of the article of footwear 10, and can include synthetic textiles, mesh textiles, polymers or leather, for example. The upper 30 can be constructed to improve the rigidity of the sole assembly 20. For example, the upper can be constructed from leather, plastic, canvas or other materials. The upper 30 can include one or more closure elements. The upper 30 additionally includes the foot opening 26 for receiving the wearer's foot and a lower periphery for attachment to the outsole 50. The upper 30 may also include various trim, cushioning, and reinforcing elements. For example, the upper 30 may include a toe cap to reinforce the vamp 58. Embroidery and other trim or extra material may be added to the upper 30 as desired for functional or aesthetic reasons. Further, reinforcing elements may be affixed to the upper 30 to reinforce the portions of the upper 30. The interior of the upper 30, such as a vamp and panels may be covered by a lining material, such as a layer of DriLex, Cambrelle or other lining materials. The lining material may be a single layer of material or it may be a laminated combination of a plurality of materials. For example, the lining material may include integrated padding throughout or in select regions, such as around the ankle and the foot opening 26. The construction of the illustrated upper 30 is merely exemplary, and the present invention may be incorporated into footwear that includes essentially any upper construction.

A footbed (not shown) can be positioned within the foot void 24 defined by the upper 30 and can be non-stretchable and lightweight and joined to the upper 30 to provide a void for receipt of the wearer's foot. The footbed can be constructed from a sheet of material, such as foam, EVA, PU, latex, gel or other materials, and by virtue of its compressibility, provide cushioning, and may also conform to the foot in order to provide comfort, support, and stability. The lower peripheral allowance or edge of the upper can be stitched, cemented, or otherwise fastened to the footbed around the perimeter of the footbed. The sole assembly 20 can be combined with any other type or style of upper construction capable of being suitably joined with it, for example, a Strobel construction. The joining of the sole assembly/outsole and the upper can be accomplished using adhesives, cement, injection molding, pour molding or any other technique used to join an upper and sole assembly.

With reference to FIGS. 1-6, the footwear components will now be described in further detail. As mentioned above, the footwear can include an outsole 50. Referring in particular to FIG. 6, the outsole 50 can include a lower surface 53, an opposing upper surface 54, a sidewall 56 extending between the upper surface 54 and the lower surface 53, and a rearwardmost outsole portion 70. The upper 30 is joined with the upper surface 54 and/or the sidewall 56 of the outsole 50. A vertical plane VP is defined at the rearwardmost outsole portion 70. The outsole 50 can include a foxing band 57 that extends around the sidewall 56. The upper 30, may, however, be combined with any type or style of sole construction capable of being suitably joined with the upper 30. The outsole 50 provides protection for the wearer's sole, while also providing flexibility for a range of foot movements. The footwear 10 may include one or more layers of midsole 22, but greater or fewer elements can be included in other embodiments. For example, some embodiments can include only an outsole, while other embodiments can include an outsole, a midsole, and an insole. Still other embodiments can include a unit sole, in which the midsole and the outsole are combined into a unitary element.

The upper 30 can include a contoured vamp 58 configured to extend over metatarsals in the forefoot region 12 of the upper 30 and forms the void 24 thereunder between the vamp 58 and the outsole 50. The contoured vamp 58 may be manufactured from any combination of pieces of upper material. The various pieces of the upper 30 may be manufactured from any of a wide range of materials, such as leather, synthetic leather, mesh, canvas, textile (e.g. woven, knit, bonded), fabric and molded components.

The upper 30 includes medial and lateral panels 60 and 80 in spaced relationship and disposed on opposite sides of the footwear 10 and the wearer's foot. The medial panel 60 can extend rearward from the vamp 58 on the medial side of the longitudinal axis LA of the footwear 10. The medial panel 60 is positioned above the sidewall 56 of the outsole 50. The medial panel 60 transitions to a heel closure flap 62. These two components can be integrally formed as a single piece or element, or can be separate elements stitched, sewn or otherwise joined with one another. In some cases, the heel closure flap 62 can be an extension of the medial quarter panel 60, having a free end or portion as described below. The heel closure flap 62 can extend from a medial side of the footwear 10, rearward around a heel, to a lateral side of the footwear 10. The heel closure flap 62 can be a continuous piece, including first and second end portions 64, 66 and a heel portion 68 therebetween. The first end portion 64 can be joined with the medial panel 60 and extends rearward, along the medial side, and into the heel region 16 of the footwear 10. The first end portion 64 can transition to the heel portion 68. The heel portion 68 can form the arcuate portion of the heel closure flap 62 and is configured to extend rearward, about and behind a heel of an infant. The heel portion 68 can transition to the second end portion 66. The second end portion 66 can extend from the heel portion 68 forward, along the lateral side of the footwear 10 and adjacent the heel region 16. The heel portion 68 of the heel closure flap 62 is configured to be angled forward, at angle Al denoted in FIGS. 2 and 6, from the vertical plane VP and extends upward at the rearwardmost outsole portion 70 so that the heel portion 68 engages the infant's heel above the calcaneus bone to comfortably secure the footwear 10 on the foot.

Referring to FIGS. 4-6, the lateral panel 80 can extend rearward from the vamp 58 on the lateral side of the longitudinal axis LA of the footwear 10. The lateral panel 80 can be positioned above the sidewall 56 of the outsole 50. Further, the lateral panel 80 can include a fin 82 that extends upward from the sidewall 56 of the outsole 50 in the heel region 16. The fin 82 can extend upward from the upper surface 54 of the outsole 50, defining a fin height FH, denoted in FIG. 6. The lateral panel 80 can transition downward to a minor upstanding wall 84 also in the heel region 16. The minor upstanding wall 84 can extend upward from the upper surface 54 of the outsole 50. Optionally, the minor upstanding wall 84 can extend above the rearwardmost outsole portion 70 and around to the medial side of the footwear 10 and can be joined with the medial panel 60 on the medial side of the footwear 10 in the heel region 16.

The second end portion 66 of the heel closure flap 62 can be releasably securable to the lateral panel 80 via one or more corresponding releasable fasteners, such as hook and loop closure elements (for example, Velcro® fasteners), a buckle, snaps, magnets, a friction device, or any other suitable device capable of temporarily fastening one footwear component to another. A first hook and loop closure element 72 can be located on the second end portion 66 the heel closure flap 62. The lateral panel 80 can include a corresponding second hook and loop closure element 74 configured to engage the first hook and loop closure element 72.

The lateral panel 80 can transition to a minor upstanding wall 84 as shown in FIG. 4-5. The minor upstanding wall 84 can define an upper wall edge 86, a lower wall edge 88, opposing interior and exterior wall surfaces 90, 92, and a terminal wall end 94. The terminal wall end 94 can be sewn with stitching to the medial panel 60 in the heel region 16. Optionally, the first end portion 64 of the heel closure flap 62 can extend over the terminal wall end 94 and the stitching can extend through the first end portion 64. As described above, the minor upstanding wall 84 can extend upward from the upper surface 54 of the outsole 50, defining a wall height WH, denoted in FIG. 6. The wall height WH height can be less than the fin height FH by which the fin 82 extends upward from the upper surface 54 of the outsole 50, the relationship of which will be discussed in greater detail below. Further, the minor upstanding wall 84 can be positioned at a distance D1 that is at least 2 mm forward of the vertical plane VP and can extend to a height of at least 2 mm. Optionally, the height WH of the minor upstanding wall 84 can be between about 2 mm and 20 mm inclusive.

The heel closure flap 62 defines a lower closure edge 100, an upper closure edge 101, and opposing interior and exterior closure surfaces 102, 104. The upper closure edge 101 is farther forward by a distance D2 (FIG. 6) relative to the vertical plane VP than the lower closure edge 100. The distance D2 can be about 2 mm to 20 mm inclusive. Though FIG. 6 depicts the lower closure edge 100 as being substantially vertically aligned with the vertical plane VP, optionally the lower closure edge 100 can be positioned a distance (not shown) forward of the vertical plane VP. The lower closure edge 100 distance can be less than the distance D2. In this arrangement, the heel portion 68 of the heel closure flap 62 can be angled forward at angle A1, so that the heel portion 68 engages the infant's heel above the calcaneus bone and secures the footwear 10 on the foot. The angle A1 can be in a range of about 5° to about 40° inclusive, or optionally in a range of about 10° to about 20° inclusive. Optionally, the heel closure flap 62, when positioned in an open position (described below) is not a strictly linear member. The lower and upper closure edges 100 and 101 can be curved. For example, when extended out from the medial panel 60, the heel closure flap 62 can curve upward between the first end portion 64 and the second end portion 66. This curvature is differentiated from the arcuate shape of the heel closure flap 62 as it extends behind the heel of the infant's foot. The described curvature between the first and second end portions 64 and 66 of the heel closure strap 62 provides a curvature and fit of the upper closure edge 101, and the heel closure strap 62 as a whole, with respect to the medial and lateral panels 60 and 80.

Optionally, the fin 82 includes an upper fin edge 108 that transitions to a downward sloping edge 110 in the heel region 16, on the lateral side of the footwear 10. The downward sloping edge 110 can transition to and can be continuous with the upper wall edge 86 of the minor upstanding wall 84. Further optionally, the minor upstanding wall 84 transitions to the upward sloping edge 110, which forms the upper fin edge 108, and the upward sloping edge 110 can be continuous with the upper wall edge 86. The second end portion 66 of the heel closure flap 62 can have a similar shape, contour, and slope as that of the fin 82 so that the components, when adjacent one another, are in alignment to provide a nice aesthetic appearance.

In use, the heel closure flap 62 can be operable between a closed mode and an open mode. In the closed mode, illustrated in at least FIG. 1, the second end portion 66 of the heel closure flap 62 is positioned adjacent the fin 82. In this position, the first hook and loop closure element 72 can be removably secured to the second hook and loop closure element 74. The heel closure flap 62 and minor upstanding wall 84 are arranged relative to one another such that there are no gaps, or minimal gaps, between the components so as to provide a unitary appearance in the heel region 16 of the footwear 10. For example, in the closed mode, the heel portion 68 of the heel closure flap 62 can overlap and can be immediately adjacent the minor upstanding wall 84 such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region 16. Further, the lower closure edge 100 of the heel closure flap 62 can be below the upper wall edge 86, and between the upper and lower wall edges 86 and 88, of the minor upstanding wall 84 when the heel closure flap 62 is in the closed mode. Accordingly, the upper closure edge 101 is above both the upper and lower wall edges 86 and 88. Also, in the closed mode, the interior closure surface 102 of the heel closure flap 62 directly engages the exterior wall surface 92 of the minor upstanding wall 84.

As shown in FIG. 6, the foxing band 57 can extend around at least a portion of the sidewall 56 of the outsole 50 and can overlap the minor upstanding wall 84 and lower wall edge 88, such the lower wall edge 88 is concealed by the foxing band 57. When the heel closure flap 62 is in the closed mode, the lower closure edge 100 of the heel closure flap 62 is positioned between the upper wall edge 86 of the minor upstanding wall 84 and the foxing band 57.

When the heel closure flap 62 is in the open mode, the first hook and loop closure element 72 on the second end portion 66 the heel closure flap 62 can be detached from the second hook and loop closure element 74 on the lateral panel 80. In the open mode, illustrated in at least FIG. 4, the second end portion 66 and heel portion 68 can be distal from the fin 82 and the minor upstanding wall 84 to expose a heel opening 112 in the heel region 16 of the footwear 10. In the open mode, a foot of an infant can be placed in the foot void 24, passing at least partially through the heel opening 112. In the closed mode, the first hook and loop closure element 72 can be removably secured to the second hook and loop closure element 74 and the heel opening 112 is closed by the heel closure flap 62. The heel portion 68 can be configured for placement, in the closed mode, adjacent the minor upstanding wall 84 to limit the engagement of the heel closure flap 62 against a heel of the infant and yet snugly secure the footwear 10 to the foot of the infant.

A method 200 of using the infant footwear construction 10 is presented in greater detail in connection with the flow chart of FIG. 7. The method 200 can include (a) providing an upper joined with an outsole, (b) converting the heel closure flap from a closed mode to an open mode, (c) passing a foot at least partially through the heel opening, and (d) returning the heel closure flap to the closed mode.

Providing an upper 30 joined with an outsole 50 is step 202. The upper 30 includes the medial panel 60, which extends on the medial side of the longitudinal axis LA of the footwear 10. The medial panel 60 transitions to the heel closure flap 62. The lateral panel 80 extends on the lateral side of the longitudinal axis LA. The lateral panel 80 includes the fin 82 which transitions downward to the minor upstanding wall 84.

Converting the heel closure flap 62 from a closed mode to an open mode is step 204. In the closed mode, the first closure element 72 is joined with the heel closure flap 62 and is removably secured to the second closure element 74 joined with the fin 82. The heel closure flap 62 overlaps the minor upstanding wall 84 such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region 16. In the open mode, the first closure element 72 is detached from the second closure element 74 and the heel closure flap 62 is moved to be distal from the fin 82 and the minor upstanding wall 84 to expose the heel opening 112 in the heel region 16.

Passing the foot at least partially through the heel opening is step 206. An infant's foot can be placed into the void 24 of the upper 30 when the heel closure flap 62 is in the open mode.

Returning the heel closure flap 62 to the closed mode is step 208. In the closed mode, the first closure element 72 is removably secured to the second closure element 74 and the heel opening 112 is closed by the heel closure flap 62. The heel closure flap 62 is placed adjacent the minor upstanding wall 84 to limit the engagement of the heel closure flap 62 against a heel of the infant and yet snugly secure the footwear 10 to the foot of the infant.

The present infant footwear construction provides benefits in use, installation, and removal. With the easy to use heel closure flap 62, a caregiver can quickly don and remove the footwear 10 from an infant despite the infant's activity. The heel closure flap 62 can be well secured to the user's foot to avoid losing the footwear in certain environments Likewise, the heel closure flap 62 can be removed to expose the large heel opening 112 through which a variety of feet shapes and sizes can be easily installed. The minor upstanding wall 84 assists in properly installing the infant foot in the footwear 10 and to set the foot at the proper depth within the footwear. The minor upstanding wall 84 also can temporarily hold the footwear 10 on the foot until the heel closure flap 62 is fully closed to secure the foot in the footwear 10.

Directional terms, such as “vertical,” “horizontal,” “top,” “bottom,” “upper,” “lower,” “inner,” “inwardly,” “outer” and “outwardly,” are used to assist in describing the invention based on the orientation of the embodiments shown in the illustrations. The use of directional terms should not be interpreted to limit the invention to any specific orientation(s).

The above description is that of current embodiments of the invention. Various alterations and changes can be made without departing from the spirit and broader aspects of the invention as defined in the appended claims, which are to be interpreted in accordance with the principles of patent law including the doctrine of equivalents. This disclosure is presented for illustrative purposes and should not be interpreted as an exhaustive description of all embodiments of the invention or to limit the scope of the claims to the specific elements illustrated or described in connection with these embodiments. For example, and without limitation, any individual element(s) of the described invention may be replaced by alternative elements that provide substantially similar functionality or otherwise provide adequate operation. This includes, for example, presently known alternative elements, such as those that might be currently known to one skilled in the art, and alternative elements that may be developed in the future, such as those that one skilled in the art might, upon development, recognize as an alternative. Further, the disclosed embodiments include a plurality of features that are described in concert and that might cooperatively provide a collection of benefits. The present invention is not limited to only those embodiments that include all of these features or that provide all of the stated benefits, except to the extent otherwise expressly set forth in the issued claims. Any reference to claim elements in the singular, for example, using the articles “a,” “an,” “the” or “said,” is not to be construed as limiting the element to the singular. Any reference to claim elements as “at least one of X, Y and Z” is meant to include any one of X, Y or Z individually, and any combination of X, Y and Z, for example, X, Y, Z; X, Y; X, Z; and Y, Z. 

The embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property or privilege is claimed are defined as follows:
 1. An infant footwear construction comprising: an outsole including a lower surface, an opposing upper surface, a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a rearward outsole portion; an upper joined with at least one of the upper surface and the sidewall, the upper comprising: a medial panel extending rearward on a medial side of a longitudinal axis of the footwear, above the sidewall, the medial panel transitioning to a heel closure flap including a first end portion joined with the medial panel and extending rearward along the medial side, a heel portion configured to extend rearward about a heel of an infant, and a second end portion extending from the heel portion forward along a lateral side adjacent a heel region, the second end portion including a first hook and loop closure element, the heel portion angled forward from a vertical plane extending upward at a rearwardmost outsole portion; and a lateral panel extending rearward on a lateral side of the longitudinal axis of the footwear, above the sidewall, the lateral panel including a second hook and loop closure element configured to engage the first hook and loop closure element, the lateral panel including a fin that extends upward from the sidewall in the heel region, and transitions downward to a minor upstanding wall at least 2 mm forward of the vertical plane, the minor upstanding wall extending upward from the upper surface of the outsole a height of at least 2 mm, the minor upstanding wall extending above the rearwardmost outsole portion and around to the medial side, the minor upstanding wall joined with the medial panel on the medial side in the heel region, wherein the heel closure flap is operable in an closed mode, in which the second end portion is adjacent the fin, with the first hook and loop closure element removably secured to the second hook and loop closure element, with the heel portion overlapping and immediately adjacent the minor upstanding wall such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region, and an open mode, in which the first hook and loop closure element is detached from the second hook and loop closure element, and the second end portion and heel portion are distal from the fin and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening in the heel region of the footwear, whereby in the open mode a foot of an infant can be placed in the void, passing at least partially through the heel opening, and in the closed mode the first hook and loop closure element is removably secured to the second hook and loop closure element, with the heel opening closed by the heel closure flap and the heel portion configured for placement adjacent the minor upstanding wall to limit engagement of the heel closure flap against a heel of the infant.
 2. The infant footwear construction of claim 1, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes an upper wall edge, wherein the heel closure flap includes a lower closure edge, wherein the lower closure edge is below the upper wall edge when the heel closure flap is in the closed mode.
 3. The infant footwear construction of claim 2, wherein the minor upstanding wall height is less than a fin height by which the fin extends upward from the upper surface of the outsole.
 4. The infant footwear construction of claim 3, wherein the heel closure flap includes an interior closure surface and an opposing exterior closure surface, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes an interior wall surface and an opposing exterior wall surface, wherein in the closed mode the interior closure surface directly engages the exterior wall surface.
 5. The infant footwear construction of claim 4, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes a terminal wall end, wherein the terminal wall end is sewn with stitching to the medial panel in the heel region on the medial side.
 6. The infant footwear construction of claim 5, wherein the first end portion of the heel closure flap extends over the terminal wall end, with the stitching extending through the first end portion on the medial side.
 7. The infant footwear construction of claim 6, wherein the fin includes an upper edge that transitions to a downward sloping edge in the heel region on the lateral side, wherein the downward sloping edge is continuous with the upper wall edge.
 8. The infant footwear construction of claim 7, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes a lower edge, wherein the lower edge is concealed by a foxing band that overlaps the lower edge and extends around at least a portion of the sidewall of the outsole.
 9. The infant footwear construction of claim 2 comprising: a foxing band that overlaps the minor upstanding wall, wherein the lower closure edge is between the upper wall edge and the foxing band when the heel closure flap is in the closed mode.
 10. The infant footwear construction of claim 9, wherein the height of the minor upstanding wall is between 2 mm and 20 mm inclusive.
 11. An infant footwear construction comprising: an outsole including a lower surface, an opposing upper surface, a sidewall extending between the upper surface and the lower surface, and a rearward outsole portion; an upper joined with the outsole and forming a void between the upper and the outsole, the upper comprising: a medial panel transitioning to a heel closure flap configured to extend from a medial side of a longitudinal axis, rearward around a heel of an infant, to a lateral side of the longitudinal axis, the heel closure flap including a first closure element, and a lateral panel on the lateral side, the lateral panel including a second closure element configured to engage the first closure element, the lateral panel including a fin in a heel region that transitions downward to a minor upstanding wall having a height of at least 2 mm above the upper surface of the outsole, the minor upstanding wall extending around to the medial side, the minor upstanding wall joined with the medial panel on the medial side, wherein the heel closure flap is operable in an closed mode, in which the first closure element is removably secured to the second closure element, with the heel closure flap overlapping the minor upstanding wall such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in the heel region, and an open mode, in which the first closure element is detached from the second closure element and the heel closure flap is distal from the fin and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening in the heel region, whereby in the open mode a foot of an infant can be placed in the void, passing at least partially through the heel opening, and in the closed mode the first closure element is removably secured to the second closure element, with the heel opening closed by the heel closure flap, the heel closure flap configured for placement adjacent the minor upstanding wall to limit engagement of the heel closure flap against a heel of the infant.
 12. The infant footwear construction of claim 11, wherein the fin includes an upper fin edge that transitions to a downward sloping edge in the heel region on the lateral side, wherein the downward sloping edge is continuous with an upper wall edge of the minor upstanding wall.
 13. The infant footwear construction of claim 12, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes a lower edge, wherein the lower edge is concealed by a foxing band that overlaps the lower edge and extends around at least a portion of the sidewall of the outsole.
 14. The infant footwear construction of claim 11, wherein the heel closure flap includes a heel portion angled forward from a vertical plane extending upward at a rearwardmost outsole portion when the heel closure flap is in the closed mode, wherein the heel closure flap includes an upper closure edge and a lower closure edge, wherein the heel closure flap includes an interior closure surface and an opposing exterior closure surface, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes an interior wall surface and an opposing exterior wall surface, wherein in the closed mode the interior closure surface directly engages the exterior wall surface, and the upper closure edge is farther forward from the vertical plane than the lower closure edge.
 15. The infant footwear construction of claim 14, wherein the minor upstanding wall includes a lower wall edge and an upper wall edge, wherein the lower closure edge is between the lower wall edge and the upper wall edge, wherein the upper closure edge is above the lower wall edge and the upper wall edge.
 16. The infant footwear construction of claim 11, wherein the minor upstanding wall height is between 2 mm and 20 mm inclusive.
 17. The infant footwear construction of claim 16, wherein the minor upstanding wall transitions to an upward sloping edge forming an upper fin edge of the fin in the heel region on the lateral side, wherein the upward sloping edge is continuous with the upper fin edge.
 18. The infant footwear construction of claim 11, wherein the heel closure flap includes a first end portion joined with the medial panel and extending rearward along the medial side, a heel portion configured to extend rearward about the heel of an infant, and a second end portion extending from the heel portion forward along the lateral side adjacent the heel region, the second end portion including the first closure element, the heel portion angled forward from a vertical plane extending upward at a rearwardmost outsole portion.
 19. A method of using an infant footwear construction, the method comprising: providing an upper joined with an outsole, the upper including a medial panel extending on a medial side of a longitudinal axis, the medial panel transitioning to a heel closure flap, and a lateral panel extending on a lateral side of the longitudinal axis of the footwear, the lateral panel including a fin that transitions downward to a minor upstanding wall; converting the heel closure flap from a closed mode, in which a first closure element joined with the heel closure flap is removably secured to a second closure element joined with the fin, with the heel closure flap overlapping the minor upstanding wall such that no vertical gap is formed therebetween in a heel region, to an open mode, in which the first closure element is detached from the second closure element and the heel closure flap is distal from the fin and the minor upstanding wall to expose a heel opening in the heel region; passing a foot at least partially through the heel opening while the heel closure flap is in the open mode to place a foot of an infant in a void of the upper; and returning the heel closure flap to the closed mode so that the first closure element is removably secured to the second closure element, with the heel opening closed by the heel closure flap which is placed adjacent the minor upstanding wall to limit engagement of the heel closure flap against a heel of the infant and yet snugly secure the footwear to the foot of the infant. 